The Quick Hit: There are many theories on the Los Angeles Lakers' recent struggles.

Perhaps, they’re bored having all but locked up first in the Western Conference standings. Perhaps, players are distracted by the trappings of Hollywood. Perhaps, they miss injured giant Andrew Bynum more than they care to acknowledge. Perhaps, Kobe Bryant’s on-going contract negotiations and unknown future was unsettling. And perhaps, tension exists between Bryant and Pau Gasol over shots and touches.

Last Friday, Toronto Raptors forward Hedo Turkoglu claimed he couldn't play in the second half of a game against the Denver Nuggets because of a stomach virus. Yet, hours later he was caught poppin' bubbly, buying shots, and getting his party-on at a trendy Toronto establishment.

Why leave a championship contender for an organization years away from contending?

This is the question Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will face if either leaves the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers as an unrestricted free agent this summer to sign with the dysfunctional New York Knicks.

For most, the weekend is about rest, relaxation, and reflection. Well, not here at Breaking Down The NBA. While you’re chilling, we’re droppping a little venom called the Weekend Rant …

-Guess who is back?

After months of looking washed up, over the hill, and slow afoot, Manu Ginobili has found his old form for the San Antonio Spurs. Love him or hate him, the Argentine swing is again driving opponents crazy with his scoring prowess and trademark flops.

After all, the Oklahoma City Thunder is loaded with young stars: Kevin Durant is becoming an elite player; recently Russell Westbrook has shown the skill-set of a top table-setter; Jeff Green, in typical Georgetown Hoya fashion, is tough as nails; and James Harden has the makings of a smart, efficient scorer.

The Quick Hit: In the cut-throat, win-now, 24-7 news cycle world of professional basketball, NBA teams face intense pressure from fans to tinker, tweak, and, occasionally, blow-up the roster.

For instance, the Phoenix Suns, partly because of fan outcry, had been flip-flopping on whether to move Amar'e Stoudemire. Hours before the February 18th trade deadline, the club told their superstar he wouldn’t be changing areas codes. Then, at the last minute, the Houston Rockets made an offer: Shane Battier, Luis Scola and draft picks for Stoudemire.